Hunting with AR-style rifles, also known by some as Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) and others simply as ARs, has seen a remarkable increase in use in the field by sportsman over the past decade. This is according to recent research from the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF). A survey conducted by Responsive Management for OSCF found 41 percent of hunters now use AR-style rifles for hunting, up from 25 percent in 2014.

This rise is attributed to the firearms’ modularity, versatility and increased accessibility.

“The growing use of ARs for hunting is on the rise, which does not surprise me,” said OSCF executive director Jim Curcuruto. “The survey showed that over half of hunters who do not currently use ARs have expressed interest in using them in the future.”

The survey, which included responses from more than 500 hunters across various demographics, examined preferences in hunting firearms and reasons for using ARs. Nearly a quarter of AR hunters surveyed have been using the firearm for six to 10 years, and around 57 percent adopted the platform in the past five years. Maybe surprisingly, large game, including deer and elk, is the most common target for AR hunters, with 80 percent of respondents citing it as their main quarry. That is up from 57 percent in 2014 and is likely due to two factors: 1) more people have become familiar with the benefits of using an AR-platform rifle and 2) the platform offers many more chamberings in calibers better suited for larger game. Big game, primarily deer, is also the most hunted game in North America. Small game, such as rabbits and squirrels, remained stable in preference.

The survey didn’t specify predator hunters, but it is likely their numbers, interest in and use of the AR platform has remained fairly consistent as well. Predator hunters were among the first group of hunters to really latch on to and make widespread use of ARs, particularly the AR-15 whose original chambering in .223 Rem. remains ideal for smaller critters such as coyotes, foxes, bobcats and ground hogs.

Interest in ARs today isn’t limited to just current users. Over half of the hunters who haven’t used AR-platform rifles for hunting expressed a likelihood of trying them if it became legal in their state.

“I was surprised to see that more than 50 percent of hunters that are not currently using AR-platform rifles to hunt with responded that they are likely to try hunting with these versatile rifles in the future,” Curcuruto said. Nearly half of those survyed still prefer traditional hunting rifles such as bolt actions, but for many, their minds are open to expanding their collection to include an AR.

The research underscores a shift in hunting preferences, with more hunters appreciating the ease of shooting, accuracy and reliability of AR-platform rifles. As the popularity of ARs continues to grow, industry experts anticipate further integration of these firearms into mainstream hunting practices, proving these are not “weapons of war” nor “assault weapons” as some have villified them, but a very practical and natural evolution in firearms choice and development for those who practice their Second Amendment rights in a variety of legal and traditional pursuits.